The Benton County Sheriff’s Office participated in extra seatbelt saturation patrol between February 4 – 17, 2019. During those dates, deputies issued a total of 85 traffic citations. Deputies cited 54 drivers for speeding, 8 for using their cell phone and driving, 5 for driving while suspended, 2 for failure to install an ignition interlock device, and other various traffic violations.

The Sheriff’s Office will be participating in extra distracted driving and cell phone saturation patrol during the month of April 2019. Deputies will be keeping an eye out for distracted drivers who use their cell phones and electronic devices while driving, and others committing unsafe traffic violations. These patrols will take place on various days of the week, and time of day or night during the saturation patrols. Deputies will also be driving unmarked patrol vehicles, so please avoid the fines, drive safe, and stay off your cell phones while driving.

Fatal Crash Investigation in Alsea, Oregon

On February 11, 2019, deputies were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover on South Fork Road, just east of the intersection of Tobe Creek in Alsea, Oregon. The call came in to 911 at 1:19 pm.

The car, a 1995 Blue Buick Regal, was traveling east on South Fork Road, when it left the road and rolled down an incline, approximately 15 feet from going into the Alsea River.

The driver was identified as William M. Johnson, a 77-year-old man from Alsea. He was deceased when deputies arrived on the scene.

Speed and possible medical issues are being investigated as contributing factors to the crash. There was no indication of drugs or alcohol as being a factor in the crash.

Corvallis Fire and Alsea Rural Fire responded and assisted at the scene.

Corvallis Couple Charged with Criminal Mistreatment and Theft from and Elderly Woman

On Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at approximately 9:00am, detectives with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Corvallis as part of a five-month, ongoing criminal mistreatment and theft investigation involving an elderly female.

Patricia Lynn Mayes, 55, and her husband, Kenneth Lee Mayes, 53, were both arrested after evidence was obtained that the couple financially exploited the elderly female over more than a three-year period.

Patricia initially met the victim while she was working as her caregiver with an in-home health care business in Corvallis. Patricia Mayes eventually left the home health care business and reportedly convinced the victim to hire her on as an independent caregiver.

Patricia, Kenneth, and Patricia’s adult son eventually moved into the victim’s residence where they have lived for the past three years.

The Mayes couple were both booked and lodged at the Benton County Jail where they were charged with Criminal Mistreatment I and Aggravated Theft I.

Persons with additional information about these individuals or this case are asked to call the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and speak with Detective Adam Miller at 541-766-6774.